📖 Meaning
To sigh and groan out of sadness, frustration, or depression. It describes someone expressing dejection or helplessness through repeated sighing rather than taking action.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to Ming dynasty vernacular fiction, notably Ling Mengchu's 'Slapping the Table in Amazement, Second Collection' (二刻拍案惊奇), where a character is described as sighing and lamenting all day in distress. It later appeared in Qing dynasty literature such as Cao Xueqin's 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' where characters sigh repeatedly when troubled by unfulfilled desires or worries. Over time it became a common expression for helpless, mournful sighing.
💡 Example Usage
遇到困难就唉声叹气是解决不了问题的。
Sighing in frustration won't solve the problem when you encounter difficulties.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 唉声叹气
- Pinyin: āi shēng tàn qì
- Literal Translation: sigh, sound, exhale, sigh, air
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4